[FAQ]

Hi,

I feel like I’m missing a key step in my networking. I’ll send a personalized connection request, someone will accept it, and then… crickets.

I never know what the right follow-up message is. I don’t want to immediately pitch them or ask for a favor, as that feels way too aggressive. But just saying ‘Thanks for connecting!’ seems a bit pointless and doesn’t lead to a real conversation.

What are some good, simple opening lines you all use to start a genuine conversation after someone accepts your request? Looking for ideas that are professional but not salesy.

Thanks!

[Jeff Bullas]

You’re right to be cautious, as this first message sets the tone for the entire relationship.

Quick Answer: Your first message should be a simple thank you that re-establishes context and then asks a light, open-ended question. The goal is conversation, not conversion.

The message itself is a critical piece of text-based content, and its objective is to be generous, not extractive.

The most common and harmful mistake is to immediately launch into a sales pitch or ask for a favour. First, the structure of your message should be simple: start with a brief thank you, then remind them of the context for your connection, such as ‘I really enjoyed your recent post on X’. Second, your goal is to add value or spark curiosity. Instead of asking for something, you can offer something, like a link to a helpful text article or a relevant video, framing it as ‘I saw this and thought you might find it interesting’. This positions you as a helpful resource, not a salesperson. Third, always end your message with a low-pressure, open-ended question that invites a real response, such as ‘What are your thoughts on this?’. This focuses on starting a genuine conversation, which is the entire point of networking.

Cheers,

Jeff

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